The Super Eagles camp in Morocco was in tormoil as players boycotted Tuesday’s crucial training session over unpaid allowances and unresolved financial issues with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The decision came just two days before Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Gabon, raising fresh concerns about the team’s readiness and morale ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
The Tuesday training session boycotted was the most crucial for the team as all the players were on ground except keeper Maduka Okoye.
Sources from the team’s base in Rabat confirmed that the players refused to take part in the afternoon training session, insisting that their outstanding payments must be settled before they return to the pitch.
Osimhen was said to have faced travel delays from Turkey due to flight complications before finally arriving in Rabat on Tuesday afternoon. He was expected to participate in the evening training session before the boycott was announced.
The Super Eagles began preparations for the playoffs on Monday, but the latest development has cast uncertainty over their build-up to Thursday’s semi-final against Gabon.
Head coach Eric Chelle now faces the tough task of restoring focus within the squad as Nigeria seek to advance in their bid for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The NFF is yet to issue an official response to the players’ protest as tension continues to mount in the team’s camp.
Even if the matter is resolved later on Wednesday, the team can no longer have a full or rigorous training since Thursday is match day.
Chelle can only involve the boys in a light training today if calm returns after the expected intervention of the NFF or the Federal Government.
